Soldiers rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kebbi

Some of the 11 kidnapped victims shortly after their rescue by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. Photo: Operation Fansan Yamma

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The victims were rescued during military operations conducted on October 30 and 31, 2026, following encounters between troops and suspected bandits and terrorists in the area.

The spokesman for the 8 Division, Sokoto, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

Osoba said the first operation followed a distress call reporting that armed bandits had blocked a road leading to Ribah town and attempted to invade the community.

According to him, troops deployed to the area discovered that some residents had been abducted, while motorcycles were abandoned at the scene.

He said the troops immediately pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the gunmen to flee and abandon seven kidnapped victims.

“Troops immediately pursued the bandits and exchanged fire with them, forcing them to abandon seven kidnapped victims,” the statement said.

The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala, Dantani Yahyi, Nura Musa, Nasiru Muhammad, Abdulakeem Abubakar, Abdulahi Maikudi and Zaki Gom.

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The military said the victims had been reunited with their families.

In a separate operation around Wasagu, Osoba said troops conducting routine patrols came under attack by suspected terrorists but repelled them, forcing the assailants to abandon four kidnapped victims.

He explained that the victims had been abducted from their farms in Wasagu village before the troops’ intervention.

“The troops responded decisively, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon four victims who had earlier been abducted from their farms,” he added.

The four rescued victims were identified as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu and Aliyu Bala, all residents of Wasagu village.

They were subsequently handed over to the community head.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against bandits and other criminal elements, assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property.

“The troops remain committed to the safety and security of all communities in the area and will continue to respond promptly to security threats,” the statement added.